When you are considering entering your car in a car show, there are quite a few things that you really need to consider if you want to win the show. If you have spent countless hours restoring a classic car and working hard to get it looking great, then it only makes sense to take plenty of time preparing it for the show so that no mistakes will be made that could cost you the win. Here are a few great tips to really win over the judges and make your car stand out above the others.

Plan to present your car in a way that will really seem spectacular to those that are at the show. Whether you choose to use a smoke machine or even a great light set behind the car, be sure to practice the effects at home before the car is ever taken to the show. You do not need to try something out for the very first time when you arrive at the show. Remember, practice makes perfect and in order to perfect the best presentation possible to grab the judge’s attention, you are going to need plenty of practice so that everything is set up just perfectly.

Try to get to the show before too many others arrive. The earlier you are able to get there, the better chance of finding a really great spot to show all areas of your car. The more that people can see, the better chance you really have of showing it off and making an impression.

You may have already taken care of washing and waxing the car and really making it shine, but cleaning under the hood is equally as important and quite honestly, can be the difference between winning and losing. If a judge sees dirt or grime on the engine it can cause the possibility of winning the show to greatly decrease. Keeping a bottle of degreaser or metal polish on hand once you arrive will provide a quick way for you to polish up any dust once you get the car in its place and before spectators or judges have a chance to start peering under the hood.

If you really want to win, be sure to have the car brought to the show with the help of a professional and reliable classic car transporter so there will not be any dirt or grease on the tires and also so you will not risk having it damaged in an accident on the way to the show.

If you are thinking about adding an extra part to the car to make it look better, and have limited time or experience with the work that needs to be done, do not try to do it before the show. For instance, if you think the car would look better if it had a spoiler on the rear bumper but you have never installed one on your own, you do not want to make an attempt and have it look unprofessional or out of place when the car is being spotlighted at the show. Even one small error can ruin your chance of being noticed in the right way.

If your car started as rusty project car, you will want to include a demo with plenty of pictures or a great display showing every step you have taken from start to finish to bring the car to life as it is now. People that attend car shows as well as the judges at the show usually enjoy seeing how much work has gone into a classic car to fully restore it and make it look and sound great.

You have most likely seen plenty pictures of hot rods or other cars surrounded by scantily clad women in bikinis or mini skirts and while it may seem appealing to the eyes, it is definitely not something that will help you win a car show. While the women may be beautiful, you do not need a distraction near your car that could cause the judges to look elsewhere.

Check every inch of your car before you take it to the show and then check it again when you arrive. Use a flashlight to check inside the car as well as under the hood and in the trunk for any dirt, dust or flaws that could be spotted if someone were looking closely. Judges will be closely scrutinizing every inch of the car and they will look closely to see if there is anything wrong that could cause you to have to drop out of the show. It is up to you to make sure that your car meets the standards set for the show and that the judges will not find anything wrong.

Relax and smile during the show. Whether you win or lose, keep in mind that you have something that many people are envious of and that is, a classic car worthy of being in a show. The friendlier you are with spectators and not just the judges, the more interest you will have in your car and believe it or not, the judges hear what the crowd has to say about a car. When you make people feel good when they stop to check your car out, this friendliness can really go a long way.

Once the show is over and you have taken the car home, be sure to sit back and reflect on how the event went. If you won, then that is great for you and something to really be proud of for all of the hard work you may have put into getting the car ready for the show. If you did not win then take a little time to think about the great people you have met and what you may need to do for the next show to increase your chance of winning next time. No matter who wins the show, the best part about it is the memories made and the fun and excitement of being part of it.